From Greek City Times and The Maritime Executive
Authorities on the island of Crete have arrested and charged a Palestinian immigrant who was allegedly planning an attack on Israeli targets, possibly including a cruise ship. Greek media outlets have identified the target as the Israeli cruise vessel Crown Iris, which regularly calls at the island.
According to police sources, the suspect received military and explosives training with Hamas in Gaza and later in Malaysia. He is accused of setting up a makeshift bomb laboratory in an apartment in Athens.
The arrest is linked to the recent detention of four Palestinians in Cyprus on terrorism-related charges. During the raid in Athens, police seized chemicals, laboratory equipment, mobile phones, laptops, hard drives, and multiple bank cards.
(The man is) a 37-year-old Palestinian national who worked in a hotel in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, the port city that often welcomes Crown Iris.
On Monday, Greek authorities confirmed to Athens News Agency that the suspect has been charged with receiving training for terrorist purposes and membership in Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. His first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
The arrest followed a tip-off from police investigators on the island of Cyprus.
The rumored target, the Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris, docked in Agios Nikolaos, Crete on Tuesday and is now on her return voyage to Haifa. No incidents were reported during this call, but the vessel has been a frequent target of pro-Palestinian protesters in the past.
